As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, here are the key points that football fans need to know:
### 2025 NFL Schedule Release
The full 2025 NFL schedule, powered by AWS, will be unveiled on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET. This announcement will be broadcast on NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL app, and NFL+. However, select games will be revealed earlier by the league's broadcast partners: NBC, FOX, and Prime Video on Monday, May 12, ESPN on Tuesday, May 13, and CBS and Netflix on Wednesday, May 14[1].
### International Games
This season will feature several international games, including two regular season games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns as designated teams. Additionally, there will be one game in Berlin, Germany at Olympic Stadium Berlin featuring the Indianapolis Colts, and one game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium with the Miami Dolphins[1].
### Player Movements and Impact
The offseason has seen significant player movements that are expected to impact the 2025 season. Traded players, such as those highlighted in recent NFL analyses, are anticipated to make a big impact on their new teams. For instance, the Patriots, Bears, and Cardinals are teams to watch due to their intriguing offseason moves[2].
### Second-Year Breakout Candidates
Several second-year players, including the Patriots' Drake Maye, are identified as potential breakout candidates for the upcoming season. These players are expected to build on their rookie performances and play crucial roles for their teams[4].
### NFL Draft Insights
The 2025 NFL draft has concluded, and teams are now evaluating their rookie classes. Each team's draft choices and remaining needs are being closely scrutinized, with executives and draft analysts providing insights into the draft room maneuvers and the potential impact of the new rookies[3].
### Revenue and Popularity
The NFL continues to be a financial powerhouse, driven by massive media deals and the growing legal sports betting industry. The league generated about $18 billion in revenue in 2022, with a significant portion coming from broadcast agreements worth over $110 billion. The expansion of legal sports betting is expected to further boost revenue, with $35 billion projected to be wagered this season[5].
### Fan Engagement
Fan engagement remains high, with 70% of Americans identifying as football fans. The league's international games and expanding fan base contribute to its global visibility. Fantasy sports participation also remains robust, with 60 million people involved annually[5].
These highlights capture the essence of what football fans need to know as the NFL prepares for the 2025 season. From the upcoming schedule release to key player movements and financial insights, there is a lot to look forward to in the world of NFL football.